Derby County manager Wayne Rooney says he is hopeful that the club will be able to make signings soon.

The Rams are currently hampered by financial issues and a resulting transfer embargo, which means they are severely limited in terms of the players they are able to sign.

As a result, the club are one of just a handful of Championship sides who are yet to make a senior signing in the current transfer window.

Now however, it seems as though Rooney is optimistic that this is something that will be able to change in the not too distant future.

Providing an update on the club's situation when it comes to making signings, Rooney was quoted by Derbyshire Live as saying: "I know at the minute I cannot bring any players in, sign players, but hopefully that will change soon.

"I think everyone knows I need more players, need more experience, players who are going to develop us and help us move forward in a way I would like to. It (the transfer embargo) is not ideal, it is frustrating for everybody."

Indeed, it seems the Rams boss already has his eyes on a number of potential recruits, as he went on to add: "I have had plans in place since the first week of February. There is nothing I can do at the minute and the issue with that is there is a risk other teams will come in and take those players.

"All I can do is ask the players to be patient and wait, but I completely understand when they don't because they have to look after themselves."

Having only avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day of last season, Derby will inevitably be keen to improve on that in the coming campaign.

The Verdict

This will no doubt be a big relief for those of a Derby persuasion.

Having seen a number of players leave the club this summer following the expiry of their contracts, the Rams desperately need to get some bodies in to ensure they can be competitive next season.

That is obviously not made easy by this embargo, to the fact Rooney is seemingly confident of being able to get around it in the not too distant future will of course be a relief.

Indeed, given those signings may need a bit of time to adapt once they have arrived at the club, it would be good for Derby to get them in sooner rather than later, with the start of the new campaign now just three weeks away.